Keyboard Shortcuts
ctrl + shift + ? :
Show all keyboard shortcuts
ctrl + g :
Navigate to a group
ctrl + shift + f :
Find
ctrl + / :
Quick actions
esc to dismiss
Likes
Search
Newbie questions
|
litz
I just acquired a Motorola MSR2000 VHF 100w 4 ch base station, originally
set up for remote (two wire DC/tone) operation. I want to convert this radio to a 2 meter repeater, and I understand that a "squelch gate" module (TRN5324A), with some modifications is the "main thing" needed to make the conversion from base to repeater operations. My questions are: 1. The instruction manual says that a "time out timer" module (TRN5295A) is standard with the factory repeater configuration. Is this module absolutely necessary for repeater operation (circuit wise)? Are there FCC regs requiring or "good practice" conventions, so that installing a time out timer is a must or highly recommended? (the PA/PS is 100% duty cycle) 2. What is the best, easily programmable, Morse CWID board available, that requires minimum modification to the MSR2000 circuitry? (I want to do a "clean" installation.) 3. What other control modules should be left installed for repeater operation? Presently the installed modules are: line driver, station control module, guard tone decoder, squelch gate, four frequency control, and R1 Audio. 4. Are there any RX-TX tune up issues (anything quirky)? Thanks for any advise, or experience in advance, Brian Litzenberger GCK N0PMZ |
|
In a message dated 99-04-18 18:57:58 EDT, you write:
<< > I just acquired a Motorola MSR2000 VHF 100w 4 ch base station, originally > set up for remote (two wire DC/tone) operation. > > I want to convert this radio to a 2 meter repeater, and I understand that a > "squelch gate" module (TRN5324A), with some modifications is the "main > thing" needed to make the conversion from base to repeater operations. > > My questions are: > > 1. The instruction manual says that a "time out timer" module (TRN5295A) > is standard with the factory repeater configuration. Is this module > absolutely necessary for repeater operation (circuit wise)? Are there FCC > regs requiring or "good practice" conventions, so that installing a time > out timer is a must or highly recommended? (the PA/PS is 100% duty cycle) > No, your controller should now be the one to handle the TOT, ID, etc. functions. > 2. What is the best, easily programmable, Morse CWID board available, > that requires minimum modification to the MSR2000 circuitry? (I want to do > a "clean" installation.) Look at Richard Reese WA8DBW's page about adding and external controller to a Micor (and presumabley MSR2000 - same basic control functions and pins on the cards. Look at : <>. This shoud give you a really CLEAN connection to the squelch gate. Plug and UnPlug. > > 3. What other control modules should be left installed for repeater > operation? Presently the installed modules are: line driver, station > control module, guard tone decoder, squelch gate, four frequency control, > and R1 Audio. > > 4. Are there any RX-TX tune up issues (anything quirky)? >> Check the RX and TX cards in the cage - see whether they have the full-duplex filtering coils and caps on them or not. If they don't, you may be in for some internal desense, unless you get the manual and add in correct filtering per schematics. Also, be very wary of the PA - At least the UHF PAs for MSR2000's tend to not really like continuous duty operation - there's a large current-sense resistor in the PA which if the PA runs too hot for too long, its solder moorings let loose and you've got flaky PA. Had this told to me by an old-time Motorola bench tech, went looking for it and sure enuff that's what I found and had to fix. Good Luck! Chuk Gleason kb4mdz |
|
John
Don't get any more modules. A repeater controller only needs receive audio,
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
COR, power and transmit input. I'll leave the controller to others.... If you don't have a continuous duty PA, then turn the power DOWN to about 65 watts and use a fan!!! John ----- Original Message ----- >
I just acquired a Motorola MSR2000 VHF 100w 4 ch base station, originallya "squelch gate" module (TRN5324A), with some modifications is the "maindo a "clean" installation.) |
|
You can make an excellent repeater by using the stock cards. And I applaud
you for wanting to try that. I am so tired of all these noise boxes on the air these days. A repeater should repeater not broadcast! I use a simple cwid. It is programmable. Forget the name but it can be found in the back of most comm publications. I will look in my paper work Monday to find the name. To answer your question about the timeout timer. You do not need it for the repeater to function. It is a must to have it if you do not want the repeater to get hung in XMIT from a jammer or such. I have Converted many bases to repeater use. Most on Lowband with .500 split. (had to put that dig in there Chris. :)) If you run this way and put a kill circuit on a monitor you have all you need. Two tone decodes work great for a kill decoder! Kevin |
|
Milt or Ellen Engle
First you need to check what freq range the unit is on. There were 3 ranges
for the MSR2000; 132-150.8, 150.8-162 and 162-174MHz. First one is easy, just tune according to directions in manual. Second range is doable; third one could get messy. The PA should be turned down to save the transistors as the last time I saw a dead PA the final transistors were on a 6+ month engineering hold. There are 2 different backplanes, the one for full options is the easiest to interface to. Module wisw you will need a station control module and the timeout timer is a good idea if you don't have one in the controller. By using the cards you list you could make a repeater using station control, squelch gate and timeout timer. A better way to make a ham repeater is to use the station control module and set up the unit as a full duplex rx and tx then tie the appropriate signals to an external controller. A good duplexer will be an absolute must or a lot of tower space ( 60 feet vertical spacing min between Tx & RX antennas) and good feedline such as double shielded coax (don't use 9913) or hardline. good luck Milt N3LTQ |
|
Michael J. Fletcher
You say you want a "clean" installation? You've already got most of it. This
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
will make a superb repeater. The factory squelch gate module makes the MSR 2000 base station a repeater just as it is supposed to. I use the factory Motorola time out timer module which plugs in just like the others. Same for the CWID module. Pick these up at the next hamfest for about 5 bucks each. I don't agree that a "better" way to make a repeater is to use an external "ham" type controller. Your repeater does not need to bleep, burp, "talk", give the weather, the time, the stock market report, say "Have a nice day" or "Where are your children", or play more tones than a pipe organ. The repeated audio may suffer after running it through one of these unnecessary external devices. If you want everyone to ask you how you got that great sounding audio, just leave the squelch gate card alone. 73, Mike, KE4SHA -----Original Message-----
From: litz <litz@...> To: Repeater-builder@... <Repeater-builder@...> Date: Sunday, April 18, 1999 2:44 PM Subject: [Repeater-builder] Newbie questions From: litz <litz@...> |
|
litz
Thanks to all who responded on my MSR2000 base to repeater conversion
questions ... Kevin on this list, recommended the Racom model 700 CWID. I called the Racom folks and the were *VERY* helpful and knowledgeable. BTW their web site is www.racominc.com. <rant> Several others made comments about "CB repeater controllers" - I couldn't agree more! Perhaps I get annoyed more easily than others - but I find the non-traffic "noise" generated by the voice controllers testing my nerves every time I hear one belch out the time of day (don't most people have watches and clocks - and the blind having their own talking clocks anyway?). </rant> -Brian N0PMZ |
to navigate to use esc to dismiss